Chapter 280

Isabella's eyes shimmered with hopeful anticipation.

Facing the person who had called him "brother" for over two decades, Alexander couldn't bring himself to be cruel.

He turned his face away, avoiding the intensity of her gaze. "I won't tell Mom and Dad." His voice paused. "From now on, you're on your own."

His slender fingers gently pried hers from his sleeve. As he turned, a cold breeze swept past.

In the empty hall, Isabella stood frozen. Her nails dug deep into her palms, but she felt no pain.

Night fell, and the Roland family villa blazed with light.

"Evelyn, try this soup." Sophia ladled a spoonful of creamy broth, its rich aroma filling the dining room.

Evelyn cradled the bowl, her mother's warm smile visible through the rising steam. "Your cooking keeps getting better."

At the other end of the table, Isabella mechanically pushed rice around her plate. The clinking of chopsticks against porcelain was jarring in the silence.

"Isabella?" Sophia exchanged a glance with her husband.

Silver chopsticks clattered onto the plate. Isabella jerked her head up, flinching visibly when her gaze brushed past Evelyn. "I—I'm fine..."

Sophia sighed. "About that boy from the Valrose family—"

"Mom!" Isabella cut her off sharply, her nails leaving creases in the tablecloth.

"Speaking of which, Evelyn should start considering marriage too." Julian suddenly spoke up, the buttons on his military uniform cuff glinting coldly under the light. "Zachary Evans seems suitable."

Evelyn choked, her face flushing crimson.

"I'll invite him over for dinner next week." Julian's tone brooked no argument.

Sophia's eyes brightened. "The one from Evans Group? I heard—"

Amid the chatter, no one noticed the drop of blood welling from Isabella's bitten lip.